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cable burn-in / system burn-in

So many of us just take what we hear as being the gospel truth about equipment. I know I do, a lot of the time, because there is just to much work and cost to prove it. I have to finally agree with the burn-in effect. After several years, and multiple equipment changes, I can say, with out a doubt, equipment and cable burn in makes a very large impact on the sound. I just started my system again after being down for a few months. It has taken about 40hrs of play time before it has started to sound good again. I have a cd that I always play to hear the effect, which I am very familiar with. So it is kind of scientific, and not just arbitrary. So there you have it...
johnhelenjake
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
Obviously, given the dynamics of dielectric absorption; if a cable or capacitor is unused for a length of time, the energy absorbed by the dielectric will fully discharge. When put back into service, the dielectric will have to reach it's target(optimum designed/voiced) level once again. Engage in whatever semantic gymnastics you choose from there. As long as my system's cables or electronics(new or reinserted) sound like music at the end of the 200hrs of continuous signal that I generally feed them; I'm happy as the proverbial bumblebee in a clover patch. Happy listening!!
cpk
190 posts
 
Rodman that is pretty much my understanding of what is (partially) go on too.
johnhelenjake OP
16 posts
 
My computer was down for some time. I just got to read all the comments and respond.
I guess what I was referring to would be described as (settling in). I do not know, scientifically, what is going on. I only know that after several days of being hooked up, and playing, there is quit a quality improvement in the music. It is very difficult to discribe, or even discern, all of what is changing to make it sound better. But it is the equipment, and not my ears/brain or other human conditioning that is changing.
Thanks for all the info, it is very interesting.
sherod
1,690 posts
 
This is one of the best threads I've read regarding cable break-in/settle-in. Many threads about this subject have been started and in my opinion have gone down the drain usually with the battle of the believers against the naysayers. I'm a believer of the break-in/settle-in of cables because my ears hear the differences. I was one of those who bought an expensive new set of interconnects several years ago( before I understood this burn-in process) and unfortunately sold it prematurely because it didn't sound "right" to my ears. After reading awhile so many posts that cable break-in is real, I bought that same set of interconnects, and this time allowed the 150 hours or so that was required for the break-in and this time I actually heard the changes( roller-coaster ride) until one day the overall sound just opened up and beautiful music was brought forth. But on the other hand, I have allowed more than enough time on some cables, be it speaker cables, interconnects, and power cords, and some cables just didn't gel with my system, anywhere I tried them. I did re-sell those, but at least I knew that I gave them a fair listen by allowing enough time for the break-in process. Patience is a virtue when auditioning especially new and used, as well, cables. I wonder sometimes when I peruse the ads for used cables, "Did that seller really keep these cables long enough to really hear their potential?" Only because it happened to me.
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
Sherod, I like your style. Thanks for the post. Your experience of the effects of break in mirrors mine and I'm sure many others here.
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